Food, art and historic Inns

Published Friday, December 12, 2008

Annual tour features 24 Bed & Breakfast Inns, local restaurants and area galleries

Dec. 13-14: Bed and Breakfast Inns decorated for the holidays will open their doors to visitors during the 15th Annual Holiday Tour of Historic Inns -- and local restaurants will offer food and drink samples along with art from area galleries. St. Augustine Historic Inns (SAHI), the St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association (SAiRA) and Art Galleries of St. Augustine (AGOSA) are working together to promote independent businesses, while offering a festive event for the community. Inns will be open from 2 to 5 p.m. each afternoon, with 12 inns opening their doors on Saturday and 12 welcoming guests Sunday. Donation tickets cost $35 for the two days, and credit card purchases are preferred. Tickets are non-refundable and will be distributed when the tour begins, at a will-call area in St. Augustine's historic district. Call 819-3566, a dedicated phone line that operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Net proceeds of the Holiday Tour will benefit the Empty Stocking Fund, which assists needy families during the holidays, and the expansion of St. Francis House. For more information, go to www.staugustineinns.com.